Hanoi Becomes World's Highest Polluted City, Authorities Initiate Actions

SEAToday.com, Hanoi - Vietnam's capital, Hanoi, has been shrouded in thick smog for the past few weeks, putting it at the top of the list of the world's most polluted cities, as the government says it will encourage more electric vehicles (EVs) to tackle the problem.

The level of harmful small particles, known as PM2.5, was measured at 266 micrograms per cubic meter in Hanoi on Friday, the highest among the list of most polluted cities, according to AirVisual.

Vietnam, a Southeast Asian country that is a regional manufacturing hub with one of Asia's fastest growing economies, has reported severe air pollution in its major cities for years, especially in Hanoi.

The thick haze is largely caused by heavy traffic, garbage burning and industrial activities. “We elderly people can feel it very clearly when we suffer from respiratory problems that cause difficulty breathing,” said Luu Minh Duc, a 64-year-old resident in the city. “The situation seems to be getting worse these days.”

So far, Hanoi has a target for at least 50% of buses and 100% of taxis to use electric vehicles by 2030.

“This is the state's responsibility to the people, and there should be specific and timely measures,” Ha was quoted as saying by Tien Phong newspaper.